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Blast at chemical plant in US state of Louisiana | Blast at chemical plant in US state of Louisiana |
(35 minutes later) | |
A chemical plant in the US state of Louisiana has been hit by a large explosion and fire, officials say. | A chemical plant in the US state of Louisiana has been hit by a large explosion and fire, officials say. |
At least 30 people have been injured in the blast at the Williams Olefins chemical plant in Geismar, officials quoted by AP news agency said. | |
The plant produces highly flammable gases that are used in the petrochemical industry. | The plant produces highly flammable gases that are used in the petrochemical industry. |
Footage from the scene showed flames and a huge pall of black smoke over the plant. | |
The cause of the blast, which happened at about 08:30 local time (13:30 GMT), is unclear. | The cause of the blast, which happened at about 08:30 local time (13:30 GMT), is unclear. |
Major roads around the site have been sealed off and nearby residents have been told to stay indoors with doors and windows closed. | |
A spokeswoman for the Department of Environmental Quality quoted by AP said ambulances took about 30 people to hospital. She did not have details about injuries. | |
The spokeswoman said tests had not found dangerous levels of chemicals in the air so far. | |
Amy Johnson, a spokeswoman for the district office of the Homeland Security department said: "The fire department, the sheriff's office and hazmat (hazardous materials) team are responding to the explosion at the Williams Olefins plant." | Amy Johnson, a spokeswoman for the district office of the Homeland Security department said: "The fire department, the sheriff's office and hazmat (hazardous materials) team are responding to the explosion at the Williams Olefins plant." |
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